Stay Safe from AI-Driven Scams This Christmas

As Christmas approaches, online shopping and parcel deliveries surge — and so do scams. Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to make fake messages, websites and phone calls look more convincing. This guide from Just Better Care explains what’s happening in Australia right now, the red flags to watch for, and simple steps to stay safe.

Why vigilance matters in November–December?

AI is making scams more convincing and successful. Recent Australian coverage highlights that most people believe AI has made phishing and online scams more sophisticated — and more effective during the pre-Christmas rush.
Black Friday & Christmas sales attract scammers. Expect more fake parcel texts, bank “security” alerts, and bargain websites designed to steal money or logins.

Who’s most at risk?

Everyone can be targeted, but older Australians and people living with disability may face added pressure during the festive season (busy schedules, help with online purchases, or reliance on support networks). Scammers exploit urgency, emotions and routine tasks like tracking parcels or checking bank balances.

Common AI-powered scam tactics right now

Fake delivery texts & emails: “Your parcel is delayed” or “pay a small fee to release your package” with a link to a fake site.
Bank or MyGov alerts: Messages claiming your account is locked; they push you to click a link and “verify”.
Ghost stores & fake deals: Slick-looking websites or ads with unbelievable discounts, often asking for bank transfer, crypto, or gift cards.
Impersonation using AI: Emails, messages or even voices that sound like a family member, support worker or a known brand representative.

Simple steps to protect yourself

Pause before you click. If a message asks you to log in, pay a fee or confirm details, don’t click links. Instead, go to the official website by typing the address into your browser or using your saved bookmark.
Use strong sign-in protection. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email, banking, shopping and social media. Prefer passkeys or hardware security keys when available.
Create strong, unique passwords. If you've got too many passwords to remember, consider subscribing to a password manager that can store passwords securely.
Shop safely. Buy from retailers you know. Check for clear contact details, returns policy, ABN, and “https://” in the address bar. Be wary of “too-good-to-be-true” offers on social media.
Verify unexpected calls or messages. Hang up and call back using the number on the official website or the back of your card — not the number provided in the message.
Ask for a second opinion. If something feels off, talk to a trusted family member or friend before taking action.

Additional protections

Help set up MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), passkeys, or a hardware key for essential accounts.
Review and cross-check your bank/card statements more frequently during November–December to look for suspicious transactions.

If you think you’ve been scammed

Contact your bank immediately to try to stop or recover payments.
Change passwords for any affected accounts and turn on MFA.
Report it to Scamwatch (ACCC) and consider reporting to the platform where the scam occurred.

Quick checks before you buy or click

Is the deal urgent or unbelievably cheap?
Is the sender pushing you to click a link or pay a fee?
Does the website list a real address, ABN and returns policy?
Are you using MFA or a passkey on the account?

Watch: How AI Scams Are Evolving This Christmas

The video below offers a quick, easy-to-follow look at how AI-driven scams are becoming more sophisticated this festive season. It explains how criminals are using technology to imitate trusted voices, brands, and delivery alerts — all designed to trick everyday Australians. After watching, visit the ACCC Scamwatch website for the latest alerts, safety checklists, and information on how to report suspicious activity.